Chemistry
Bond Order Calculator
Find the molecular-orbital bond order from the number of bonding and antibonding electrons.
Your inputs
Change any value to update the result instantly.
Bond order
3
Net bonding electrons
6
Stability
Positive bond order — the molecule or ion is predicted to exist.
Bond character
Triple-bond character
Bond order from molecular-orbital theory. Count the electrons from the correct MO diagram for the molecule you are studying.
What this calculator does
Derives the molecular-orbital bond order from bonding and antibonding electron counts.
What your result means
A bond order above zero predicts a stable bond; higher values mean a shorter, stronger bond.
Formula and working
BO = (N_b − N_a) ÷ 2
- 1
Collect the inputs
Bonding electrons (N_b) = 10; Antibonding electrons (N_a) = 4
- 2
Apply the formula
BO = (N_b − N_a) ÷ 2
- 3
Result
Bond order = 3
Frequently asked questions
Symbols and assumptions
- N_b
- Electrons in bonding orbitals
- N_a
- Electrons in antibonding orbitals
- BO
- (N_b − N_a) ÷ 2
- • Electron counts come from a correctly constructed molecular-orbital diagram.
Sources and review
Reviewed 2026-09-22 · Next review 2027-09-22
- • Bond order is a model prediction; it does not give bond length, energy or magnetic behaviour directly.
Important limitation
This is an educational estimate based only on the values and formula shown. Verify current rates, rules, units, and professional standards before relying on the result. It is not personalized financial or investment advice.
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